When I first started talking about TGHR, one of the main reasons I wanted to name it "The Glass House Retreat" is because, I am, in general, a non judgmental person.

My own closet is full of glorious skeletons. I fear with the smallest push they could easily come crashing down on some poor unsuspecting closet cleaner.

Do I still bang my head against the wall now and again? Have I been known to toss around choice words? Do I roll my eyes? Why yes, yes, I do.

That's the human experience in all it's infinite wonder and glory.

I watched a few FB meltdowns regarding addiction over the weekend. This came on the heels of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's death from laptops across America. Suddenly, people who know a little bit about addiction were touting words of wisdom across the airwaves, in turn, pissing off the people who know more than a little something about addiction. I read at least 5 different articles about the subject and came away with just one conclusion.

Addiction is a disease.

Now, you may or may not agree with my conclusion, and that's fine. I read THIS PIECE, written by Russell Brand. It really explained it all to me in a language I could understand.

It is 10 years since I used drugs or drank alcohol and my life has improved immeasurably. I have a job, a house, a cat, good friendships and generally a bright outlook.The price of this is constant vigilance because the disease of addiction is not rational.

Right now, there is a lot of public discussion about addiction. It will stay in the forefront for a little while and then something else will make the front pages.

A young man from my small town will be laid to rest this morning. His mama looked at me last night and said, "Just hold your babies tight, Maggie. Hold. Them. Tight."

In front of us, behind us, in the room next door, people were wiped out from sadness. The kids were hollow eyed through their tears. The parents unbelieving. There was a strong sense of numbness.

A friend said to me, "We can't do anything but BE here."

THAT is a tremendous friend.THAT is love. THAT is compassion.

xo

If you ever need someone to hold youI will be thereStanding by your side

I am sorry for their loss Maggie. These dear, sweet parents ...my heart aches for them. Anyone can categorize and generalize but to me all I ever hear is this: the name of the one we lost. Addiction has a name, the name of the one caught in it. I see them as a soul. I am sad they are no longer here with us. All creation cries out against that tragedy. Praying for your family. Thankful for great, loving friends like you who are there to walk this road with the family or families affected. Thank you for sharing this.

Reply

Maggie ~ TGHR

2/4/2014 07:55:04 am

xo Robin, xo

Reply

annemarie

2/4/2014 03:49:36 am

thank you for a great post! You are and always will be one of my heroes <3